What Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Program?

The number of students seeking advanced degrees has grown in recent years, as many see master’s or doctorate degrees as a potential path to greater opportunities. However, many students considering an advanced degree may opt not to get it because of the added cost and the amount of time it would take. Fortunately, some schools offer an accelerated pathway to a master’s degree, one that starts during undergrad and allows students to get a head start on their advanced degree.

If you’re looking at schools or are currently a student considering post-collegiate studies, here’s how an accelerated pathway works and why you might want to take advantage:

What Is an Accelerated Degree Pathway?

This process varies from school to school, but broadly speaking, an accelerated pathway program allows eligible undergraduate students to begin earning master’s level credits while completing their undergraduate programs. During their studies, they will be allowed to take a certain amount of master’s level courses per semester, which will then transfer over to their master’s program once they enroll.

For example, at Columbia Southern University (CSU), students in the BS to MS Accelerated Program can take two master's-level courses during their bachelor's program. Those courses transfer automatically when they begin their master's program.

At CSU, eligible students can replace two undergraduate free electives (six credit hours) with two courses required for an aligned master's degree. After completing their bachelor's program, those six credits count toward their master's degree, leaving 10 courses (30 credits) to complete. Students enrolled in the accelerated program are automatically enrolled in the corresponding master's program after completing their bachelor's degree.

Why Pursue a Master’s Degree?

Interest in master’s degrees has increased over the last few decades. There are a number of reasons to seek a master’s degree, but the most common reason cited is the idea that it can increase one’s earning potential and job growth.

It’s important to note that earnings do vary by occupation, field, location, experience and many other factors. Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers with higher levels of educational attainment generally have higher median earnings, broad educational-attainment data from the BLS doesn’t account for every form of training.

In addition to the potential for greater financial attainment, a master’s degree is also valuable to those who have a passion for their chosen field of study and wish to explore it more deeply, or to drill down into one aspect of it in an academic setting. It can also set them up to do more detailed research and to advance their field in specific areas. Anyone with a deep interest may be less concerned about the financial value of the degree as their focus is on learning and finding ways to contribute to their discipline.

Could an Accelerated Degree Pathway Work for You?

An accelerated bachelor’s-to-master's degree program option makes sense if you are already thinking beyond your bachelor's degree. That includes working professionals who have built real-world experience and want a master's to move up.

Eligibility Requirements:

Requirements differ by school. As an example, students at CSU need:

• At least 60 to 108 undergraduate credit hours already completed
• A GPA of at least 2.5 in their undergraduate program
• A GPA of at least 3.0 in master's-level courses once enrolled in the master's program

Questions to Ask

Here are questions to ask your academic advisor or admissions counselor regarding an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master's degree:

• Do my credits and GPA meet the eligibility requirements today?
• Which master's courses are open to me, and how do they fit my degree plan?
• How would this change my timeline and my total tuition?
• What does the added workload look like alongside my job and family?
• If I change my mind, what happens to the credits I've earned?
• How does this pathway connect to my career goals?

Transfer credits and prior learning may help you reach the credit threshold. Ask your advisor how your previous coursework and experience apply.

What Are the Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of an Accelerated Pathway?

Depending on the institution, you may be able to complete a portion of your master’s degree while in undergrad, which can cut down on your time in school. This is attractive to those who wish to move into their career as soon as possible but still have the deep knowledge offered by an advanced degree.

Keep in mind, results depend on your course load, your program and your pace. An accelerated pathway doesn't guarantee a particular timeline or outcome.

Potential Benefits at a Glance:

• Scheduling: Because two master's courses count toward your graduate program, you may have two fewer courses to take later. Depending on how many courses you take each term, that could mean finishing one or two terms sooner.
• Cost: At CSU, students can take up to six master's-level credit hours at the undergraduate tuition rate, which may lower total tuition.
• Confidence: You get a feel for graduate-level work, with the same flexible online format and academic advisor support.

Potential Drawbacks at a Glance:

Despite the numerous benefits, an accelerated study program may not be for everyone, even students who intend to pursue a master’s degree.

• You're not yet sure a master's degree fits your career goals. Taking master's courses early can feel like a commitment.
• Your schedule is already full. Master's courses typically go deeper and require more study time.
• Your finances need a closer look. Compare total costs and review your options at Federal Student Aid.
• You don’t feel ready. Master’s courses go much deeper into specific subject matter, and many undergraduate students don’t feel ready to make the jump yet. This is a good thing to discuss with your advisor, who can give you a clearer idea of how dramatic this shift might feel and whether it makes sense for you.

Get Your Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree at Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University’s unique program allows you to study and take new courses at a pace that works for you. If you’re interested in following a particular academic path and obtaining the deep understanding that comes with an advanced degree, consider an accelerated study program.

You don't have to have it all figured out. Start with a conversation: your academic advisor or admissions counselor can walk you through your eligibility, your options and what makes sense for your goals.

Ready to see if it fits? Explore CSU's accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree program.